Customer Reviews

Redux: Designs that Reveal, Recycle, and Redefine

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I'll start this review by pointing out that the work of my company is included in this book. But that's also the point of the review. So often, when one's work is featured in a book or magazine or newspaper, the results are subpar and unsatisfying. The work (or one's values, or whatever is being shown or discussed) may be distorted, or poorly reproduced. Not so here. Jennifer Roberts has done a superb job - she has gathered an eclectic collection of projects, assembled them beautifully, and presented them in an immensely compelling and informative way.

The quality of the photos, the layout, and the elegant diversity of projects combine to welcome you in and inspire you to settle down with ithis book for awhile (as I've just done, after first critically reading the segment about us, of course). The "back stories" are a great addition, because through them we get a glimpse into the thinking of the people responsible for the projects.

I'm certain I'll be back for a few more rounds with Redux - it's a wonderful book about the beauty and relevance that can emerge from a fresh look at the scrap heap."

This is a wonderful book. The writing style is engaging and easy to read. The book is chock-full of information, but always tempered by the practical--perfect for the average person wanting to incorporate environmentally conscious methods in whatever projects are at hand. The featured projects are diverse and inspirational and the green ideas applicable even on a small scale (i.e. how to buy energy efficient appliances). This should be required reading for anyone embarking on a remodel or building project.

Jennifer Roberts' REDUX: DESIGNS THAT REUSE, RECYCLE, AND REVEAL features homes which were built or remodeled to be healthier to live in and easier on the environment. Some are newer structures built entirely from recycled materials, while others were renovated to make the most of energy-efficient materials and systems. Practical tips and resources accompany pages packed with color photos, recaps of green features, and discussions of how salvaged materials can even create innovative new styles.

This book poses an interesting concept in recycling building materials to save the world, if only just a little bit with less refuse. The author gives several examples showing beautiful houses built using this principle with captivating pictures, which is all very nice and fine, however not very useful for the do-it-yourselfer, especially if one has to apply a boric acid solution for a two-year time period to rid the old wood of pests and bugs... It's not very practical until these salvaged building materials are a little more accessible to the general public in a useable condition.

There is a list of resources in the back of the book that can be helpful, advising readers on salvage shops, exchange programs of used items, furniture, etc.

I found this book to be more a showcase of the work of various green architects from around the country. If you're more of a DIY-er, may I recommend Readymade Magazines' book, Ready Made: How To Make (Almost) Everything; A Do-It-Yourself Primer. Some of the projects can be a little silly, but it opens the mind to new channels of creativity, using everyday salvagable objects.

This book makes garbage look attractive-- or rather shows that what looks like garbage to some people can actually be put to good and attractive use by someone more imaginative. I am not so imaginative fortunately I do know how to plan and build with wood, steel, brick, block, adobe, glass-- you name it. Got it from a library and will buy it for Xmas to help me keep my mind open to opportunities hidden in refuse.

I thoroughly needed to read this book cover to cover..the ideas were wonderful, genius and a great inspiration for using unusual materials that bring out the unique-ness in all of us. The resources throughout the book lend themselves very well to those interested in taking home construction seriously. This book is a must have to all who aspire to build their home reusing and recycling great materials.

I saw this book listed on Amazon, so I checked it out at my library, before buying it. I am glad I did. Redux is just a collection of photos about remodeling projects done in a very modern style. If that is what you're looking for, then this is the book for you.
If you are looking for information, such as how to evaluate, plan, remodel, cost involved and DIY info about taking a old building, and converting it into living space, then you will be disappointed in this book.